A Case for Handwriting

Never before have we put such emphasis on the importance of reading and writing. Yet when it comes to literacy, handwriting is sometimes left out of the picture. Why should handwriting still be taught?

Handwriting fluency is fundamental to learning. Kids think and write at the same time. When children are taught to write, they are taught how to express themselves. If they struggle to form their letters, their ability to express themselves will suffer. Children who don’t master handwriting fluency may be slow, sloppy, or illegible writers. Spelling and math may be affected. Handwriting needs to become an automatic skill.

Handwriting shares the same symbols as reading—the letters of the alphabet—but uses them in a very different way. Handwriting is a physical motor activity that incorporates posture, balance, visual motor and fine motor skills. Reading success does not translate to handwriting success. A well structured program that teaches letter formation in a developmentally appropriate manner is essential to handwriting mastery. Children who aren’t taught handwriting in elementary school may struggle with handwriting throughout their academic lives.

Margot Stein, Ph.D. and pediatric psychologist, sums up the issue for children who struggle with handwriting: “Kids put so much effort into the act of writing that they have limited energy left to express their thoughts effectively on paper.”

On the other hand, children who can write well—with ease and confidence—do better in all of their classes, enjoy school more, and feel proud of their work.

Handwriting Without Tears® wants children to succeed easily. That’s why we designed a developmentally based curriculum that makes writing a natural and automatic skill for all students.